SDSU football strength coaches

2009: Aaron Wellman hired by head coach Brady Hoke, both from Ball State

2011: Rick Court hired from Toledo, replacing Wellman, who left for Michigan with Hoke

The San Diego State football program is looking for its third strength coach in less than a year after losing its most recent strength coach to Ohio State.

Rick Court came to SDSU earlier this year from Toledo, replacing Aaron Wellman, who left for Michigan in January with head coach Brady Hoke.

SDSU sources said Court left for Ohio State. His new title there couldn't be immediately confirmed.

His departure means the Aztecs are looking for their sixth strength coach since 2003 as they enter another crucial offseason in the weight room.

In 2010, as SDSU embarked on its first winning season since 1998, Hoke credited Wellman with turning around the team's physical capabilities, once famously described by Hoke as "woefully weak."

But when Hoke left for Michigan, he took Wellman with him, leaving new head coach Rocky Long to find the right person to continue SDSU's improved toughness.

He hired Court, who has a long history in Ohio and the Big Ten.

Prior to the hiring of Wellman, Jon Francis served as the football team's strength coach from 2004 through 2008, working under head coaches Tom Craft and Chuck Long. He remains on the athletics staff as SDSU's director of strength and conditioning.